Customer Reviews

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

You ever notice that some authors write decent stories that aren't very polished, and some authors write excellent stories that are? J.A. Saare falls somewhere in between in this debut of the Rhiannon's Law series. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is an EXCELLENT story - and that makes reviewing it particularly difficult for me, because - rightly or wrongly - I tend to be a harsher critic of stories and authors that I believe are top notch. And this one is.

Lets start with the good - and there's a bunch of good here. Rhiannon Murphy is a reluctant necromancer who hasn't had any training. She sees dead people and certainly doesn't particularly like what she sees. A bartender and pool shark by trade, she's unabashed about her lack of formal education and her willingness to throw a punch or excise a problem with that wicked mouth of hers. She's tough, ballsy, crude...and her past is horrifying to the extreme. She's a mile of bad attitude wrapped around a kernel of innocence and light and the dichotomy in her personality is ultimately refreshing and extremely interesting. I liked just about everything about her...even when I wanted to strangle her. And I love that Saare gave her a legitimate backstory that explains exactly why she is like she is. That's rare. I love even more that we see true growth of the character through the progression of the book - and that growth is VERY organic to the story line and character. VERY well done.

Disco, the vampire who goes to Rhiannon for help with a problem of missing vampires, is quite possibly my favorite male protagonist in any of the urban fantasy series I'm currently reading. If he's not THE favorite, he's definitely in the top three. I don't know what it is about him really, but something about how he is as a character, and how the relationship with Rhiannon evolves, just totally worked for me. If I had any complaint about him, it would be that he was more of a secondary character than a true co-star. As the series is obviously Rhiannon's, I guess that makes sense, but I'd have really enjoyed had he had more of a role, like Val in the Jazz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin, or Bones in the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost. Those are different types of urban fantasy, I know, but hey, I'm just telling you what I would've preferred, because I enjoyed Disco so much. The name didn't fit him though. I'll admit that. His nickname conflicted with his dialogue a bit. His real name is Gabriel and he speaks FAR more like a Gabriel - and a vampire that was born in 1837 as a human - than a 'Disco', but there's backstory to explain the name (eventually) so I can't really complain about it. The other secondary and ancillary characters were also extremely well written and fully formed - from the very vanilla Ethan (Goose), the necromancer who's not nearly as strong but is far better trained than Rhiannon, to the other members of Disco's family (Paine was an interesting and favorite secondary character), to even members of Joseph's family (like his necromancer), the book was well populated with three dimensional and very real-feeling characters that I enjoyed (or who horrified me, as the bad guys were JUST as well done). I'd definitely say that the strength of this particular book rests on all their shoulders, though the story itself was by no means a slouch.

Unfortunately, there were some issues, and you may have noticed that while I just gushed about the characters and story, I rated the book three stars. I'll admit, part of that is because I think this book is in that upper echelon of urban fantasy and I expect more from it than I would from some other authors, and part of it is because this book contains one of my all time pet peeves. It ends with a cliffhanger. I can't express how much I hate that. If I know going in that a book isn't an encapsulated novel, I can deal with it. Karen Marie Moning's Fever series springs immediately to mind in that regard. I started that series late, three books published and the fourth included before I reached the end of the third, and I knew going in that it is really one very impressive and monsterously huge story broken up into five parts. I was prepared. I wasn't prepared here, and I think readers should be aware - without giving spoilers - that Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between ends with a cliffhanger, and I wanted to toss my Kindle out the window when I reached it. I know there's a second book in the works, titled The Renfield Syndrome, but I have NO idea what the expected release date on that is, and I went to the author's website and blog to try to find out. I wasn't successful. So if you're like me and hate cliffhangers, this might pose a problem.

On the bright side, the main plot of this book WAS wrapped up by the end. But that just ticked me off more, because the author COULD have left it wrapped up and provided a sneak peak of The Renfield Syndrome that included the last chapter of Dead and I would've been perfectly content (did I mention how much I LOATHE cliffhangers?). It makes me feel obligated to buy the next book, and frankly, Dead was good enough that I would've anyway. I just resent that feeling of obligation.

The other issues I had with the book were story-related. I found the beginning to be a bit confusing and muddled, and I felt sort of dropped into Rhiannon's head without any signposts to mark the way. There were several things that read like random mentionings of past occurrences that were explained further in, but while reading it had me scratching my head a bit. And it did take me a little while to translate Rhiannon's speech and thought patterns because of that. Just about everything while she was in the bar had me a bit off kilter, but once the story progressed beyond that, it really gelled nicely and either I started to really understand Rhiannon or enough had been explained in retrospect that everything fell together.

There was one other scene in particular that didn't work for me at all given what the author had set up about the character, the scene in which the reader finds out about Rhiannon's past. Rhiannon had said she NEVER spoke of it to ANYONE and she was absolutely vehement about it, and so the manner in which it came out and the person it came out to struck me as odd. It's a brutal, horrifying backstory that broke my heart, so I wish it had been revealed in a way that didn't feel like the author had to explain it some way, so that's the way she chose, regardless of her main character's definition. Because that's how I felt after reading it.

There were a couple of other issues I had, but they are small and the sum of them is more significant than the detail of them. All in all, this is an excellent, solid urban fantasy that I would've absolutely rated four stars - if it weren't for that damned cliffhanger. So keep in mind, I really liked the book. I plan on word-of-mouthing it to as many people as I know who enjoy good urban fantasy. I just plan on mentioning the cliffhanger...as I set up to troll Saare's website for any information on the release of the second book in the series. I'll definitely be reading it.

Why do I love Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between? Let me count the reasons.

First of all, there's Rhiannon. She's a smart, kick ass chick who doesn't take any guff from anyone. She can take care of herself, and that's really saying a lot since she sees dead people. She's capable and smart and the kind of girl you'd want to stand back to back with in a fight. Her loyalty, once earned, is to the death. She fights a lot of enemies in Dead, both internal and external, but she always goes down swinging. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

Next, there's Disco, a badass vampire who could take you out with nary more than the narrowing of his gorgeous eyes and some well-placed thoughts. Strong and powerful, but never cliched, he's the kind of hero every story needs. He's sexy and protective and deadly. Need I say more?

Then there's the twists of Ms. Saare's paranormal world. I love vampires, but let's face it, they've been done to undeath. Ms. Saare manages to make her world fresh and new and completely unlike any story I've read before. Her characters leap off the page - fangs bared, in some cases, but in a striking, vibrant way that will leave you clamoring for more. Her level of detail is unsurpassed. One of the things I love about this author's work is her ability to craft scenes that linger in a reader's mind long after they reach "The End." That's especially true here. Her writing sweeps you away. You ache with her characters, you fear for them, you rejoice with them - and in so doing, sometimes you forget to do essential things like eat and sleep. ;)

Finally, there's the action! It never stops, and you never get a chance to relax. There is romance here, but make no mistake, this is gritty urban fantasy at its finest. Dead is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish, and around every turn comes the unexpected. I can honestly say this book took me places I did not expect to go, and I loved every minute of the trip.

Since this is book one of a series, I know there's more to come. And luckily, I can always read - and reread - while I wait.

PJVs QUICKIE POV: I approached this novel with trepidation, I really don't even know why, probably because I couldn't nail it down, categorize it in a pretty little box. Some touted it as Urban Fantasy, some as PNR I even got a few snips from another blog with it as erotica. So what to do? I like my genre boxes, which is so odd for me, since I was told over and over in design school "Think Outside The Box!" But what is wrong with a bit of organization? I think I'm rambling. Back to the book. So confusion led to it sitting on my shelf for a month or two...until I couldn't take it anymore, picked up the book, and then I was stuck. To put it in perspective, I grabbed it for my cereal book (the one I read while I'm brushing my teeth and then eating my cereal before I leave for work). I was on page 15 by the time the clock read 6:31 which was the warning to me that said "Get to Work" but I didn't want to go to work, I wanted to keep reading! I was hooked from page one. Now it is my turn to categorize this: This has to be one of the best Urban Fantasy books to come out of an ePublishing house that I have read so far. And I can't help but imagine the potential this book has if a good editor got their hands on it. Great job Mrs. Saare, can't wait for the next one.

REVIEW: Rhiannon, like all of my fav Urban Fantasy chicks is kick ass, curses like a sailor, brings grown men to their knees with her sharp insults and might be a tad bit on the unhinged side of the crazy line. Did I mention she also sees ghosts? Not your happy little translucent ghosts either, we are talking, mangled, chest cavity exposed, missing limbs - what you looked like on the slab kind of dead people. Yum. Rhiannon is my kind of chick.

While slinging drinks in a New York strip club, Rhiannon is approached by a vampire, who goes by the name Disco (hee hee). Disco needs help from a ghost seeing girl like Rhiannon and he isn't taking no for an answer. Before Rhiannon can say "Go to Hell", Disco has her running around the city looking for some lunatic that enjoys cutting up vampires and taking their hearts. Not to mention he drags her into a snakes nest of vampire politics and a world she has been shying away form, but is very much a part of: Necromancy.

A knee-jerking, action, adventure of the fanged variety, Dead, Undead is a great addition to your Urban Fantasy TBR. Pick this one up, you will not be disappointed.

What I liked about this novel:
Saare approached your garden variety UF subjects with finesse. She took characters that were very stereo-typically UF/PNR and made them different and very entertaining. I liked her approach.

Like all damaged characters, Rhiannon was in a seriously bad mental place when Dead, Undead opens. This is also a typical UF trait in their main female characters. For example, Anita Blake and her hate. Mercy Thomas and her abandonment. Sookie Stackhouse and her being treated as a pariah. Well for Rhiannon her past is a childhood of abuse. Saare approached this from straight on, holding back nothing when it came to her character, we know she is broken, she knows she is broken, but like all good novels, their is progression. Usually in these books there is a break, whether internal or external. Saare handled Rhiannon's break with a subtlety that impressed me, she didn't take the easy way out and this gives me great anticipation for what will come next in her later novels.

The characters were well done with a level of emotion that you don't normally see in these kinds of novels. Saare tackled some very hard subjects in this book, and instead of being turned off I was very empathetic. Rhiannon was hard where I expected her to be hard, and soft when it was needed. She was a very well rounded character.

Then the ending...oh my do I want more. I ended this book with WTH? And I need more like now!

What I didn't like about this novel: My one hang up on this novel was that there were a lot of elements that are used in many of the popular vamp series. This happens a lot, there is only so many ways you can write vamp novels, but I guess they were just very glaringly obvious in this one. The vampire family structures, the mark, the human familiars, I've read many of these ideas in other books.

My dislikes in no way turned me away from this book though, and it was very easy to overlook once I got hooked into this novel.

Recommendations: Adults, there is a ton of cursing and a bit of nookie. Urban Fantasy, vamp fans you'll really enjoy. Fans of the Anita Blake, Sookie Stackhouse, Rachel Morgan, Mercy Thomas series, enjoy.

I enjoyed reading DEAD, UNDEAD, OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN, but for the life of me I couldn't explain what actually happened in the novel. The heroine, Rhiannon, is a necromancer who's forced to help investigate a series of murders. That's clear enough. But instead of following clues and building evidence and closing in on an answer, I felt like they just floundered around at random until the murderer got tired of waiting for some action and decided to speed things along.

OK, so it's not a mystery or a procedural. Is it about the fantasy aspects - about Rhiannon learning to use her necromantic powers? Well...not really. She has some new experiences but doesn't gain any kind of mastery or competence over the course of the novel. She talks about wanting instruction a lot, but there's no growth on the page.

Hmm. So is it a romance? It might mostly be a romance, in terms of page count. The love interest, Disco, is a powerful, urbane, well-educated and articulate vampire while Rhiannon is a mouthy, foul-tempered bartender who works in a strip club. Which isn't to say she couldn't be the woman of his dreams...but that's a pretty big gap to overcome. I would have LOVED to watch them slowly get closer together, see the attraction build and overcome their superficial differences. Instead, Disco falls for her really quickly. Rhiannon keeps up a token resistance for a while but it's not convincing to anyone. So the romance didn't really capture me; it was too easy.

The writing flowed pretty well and the characters felt real. Especially Disco, who leaped off the page despite the fact that he's basically a cliche. I think Saare wasted a lot of opportunities, though. Rhiannon has a huge trauma in her past and she will tell everyone that the trauma exists but won't explain what actually happened. But instead of building up to an intimate moment of revelation between Rhiannon and Disco, she ends up spilling her story to a random stranger. No impact. Disco has a big sob story, too, but he doesn't tell it - some other secondary character spills the beans to Rhiannon so that when the time comes, again, no intimate moment of revelation. It's already done and over, and the impact is so much less than it could have been.

I don't regret reading Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, and I wouldn't mind reading the sequel. But it didn't excite me, either.

This was a great book. SERIOUSLY. A great book. Only four stars because the ending was so abrupt I wanted to break stuff.

It takes a pretty classic view of vampires and mixes in a little bit of necromancer mythology as well. There are hints that the supernatural world is much larger and more interesting (an incubi makes an appearance in addition to demons).

Main character is a dirt under the fingernails, nightmares when she sleeps, but still a feminine creature, every girl. She is tough and means it and remains true to character throughout the story. Romance is there and feels realisticly complicated. There is the right balance of grit, intrigue and charisma.

This book is sexy, smart, and fun. There is tragedy in our heroine's past which makes a plausible explanation for much of her behavior. As a reader you discover the characters as they discover each other. The violence is bloody, desperate and well placed. I like a bit of blood and guts to go with my gooey and this book delivers!

The writing itself is compelling. I was drawn to the characters and the world they lived in and felt as though I was standing beside them throughout. There is just enough sensuality to give a full experience- though it was almost overwhelming at times.

I had a lot of fun reading this- but now regret that I didn't wait until the next book was already out!!! Be prepared for an ending that leaves your head SPINNING! The kind of "to be continued" that leaves you throwing things at the television.

I WANT MORE! I want it NOW NOW NOW!

[CAUTION MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS]

In truth, I didn't have high hopes for this book. I had never heard of this author prior to my purchase but the title drew my attention. I thought this would be about another spoiled heroine, but on the contrary, this book was as fascinating as its title. I was completely entertained and engaged through the entire book, and I love the authors creative view on the origins of the vampires. I know some people have complained about the ending's entirely different focus and cliff-hanger but I found it refreshing and exciting. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment The Renfield Syndrome.
I highly recommend fellow dark urban fantasy readers give this book a try. For all the Rhiannon and Disco fans, check out the link on the author's site for the vignette "More Than Words". The scene takes place between the final two chapters of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, directly before Rhiannon leaves to go to her apartment.

I also recommend:
Twice Dead
Frost Moon
Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1)
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)
Master of None

Overall, The Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is a good debut novel in the genre of urban fantasy/romance. The author had good character development and the plot was fast pace. I really like the heroine, Rhiannon, and Disco as the main characters. There was romance but not over the top sex like Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series. This book reminded me very much of the Anita Blake series in the early years before it went downhill.

The only complaint I have is the same as some of the other reviewers is that the beginning was confusing and unclear. Also, Rhiannon's speech and thoughts just dropped in at times causing me to reread the page a couple of times. It did end in a cliffhanger and it just sets up the next novel. The cliffhanger does not bother me and I look forward to the next book.

Overall, a great start to a debut novel that I think will hopefully improve.

If you are looking for a book that is great from start to finish this is the book for you! I did not want to stop reading this book at all. I wanted everything to disappear from my life just so I could continue reading it.

The heroine of this book is Rhiannon and she is by far one of the coolest female characters that I have read in a long time. The author includes these saying that are called "Rhiannon's Law" that are very witty, clever, and if you think about it, very true. Rhiannon is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn't take any crap from anyone. How cool is that! I love the fact that she doesn't rely on anyone but herself. She mainly is this way because of something that has happened in the past, but, I think it shows how strong she really is. How refreshing is it to see a female character that is so strong willed and in charge of her own destiny.

Rhiannon has to deal with someone who has become on of my favorite new characters. A vampire named Disco. Disco is the perfect package, because he and Rhiannon can throw the jabs back and forth to each other and the banter between them is hilarious. He is also drop dead gorgeous and that is something that Rhiannon realizes at the beginning of the book. She is attracted to him but doesn't let it show and that leads to a lot of sexual tension between the characters. Disco also has this sense of power and confidence that I love in a male character. You get to learn more about Disco throughout the book and I loved learning more about his character.

We also get to meet other characters that are just as important to the story and just as interesting. All of the characters blend well together to create this realistic world in which vampires live in. There is lots of action and mystery that doesn't leave you bored. There have been many times that I have read a book and wanted the author to just spill the beans to get it over with. Not this book. I wanted it to never end. I was so sad to read the last page because I knew that book 2 of the series, The Renfield Syndrome, will not be out until the late Summer.

I don't really think I can convey how much I enjoyed this book. It was well written by this new author, and if this is an indication of how well her writing will be in the future, I for one can't wait to see what she has in store for her readers!

The story starts with Rhiannon doing her job, tending bar in New York at an exotic dance club. Disco, a friend of Cash's who became a kind aquaintance while she was on the job, has been coming in regularly lately (now that Cash hasn't been in). Rhiannon keeps putting him off when he comes in wanting to talk to her, as she's not fond of vampires. Rhiannon knew what Cash and Disco are, as she is a necromancer and can see the dead - so she gets a feeling from vampires (as they are dead) and ghosts. Finally, after Disco's persistance Rhiannon agrees to meet after work. Rhiannon soon learns Disco need her help and doesn't give her the option to say no. Rhiannon figures the only way to return to her simple mundane life is to do the few things he needs and be done with it. Rhiannon is to green to realize what is out there in the world, to harm her or help her, and life will never be the same.

To me there was action, sexual tension, and love all mixed into one here, and I enjoyed it. This book does have vampires in it, but they are not the main part of the book. Yes, the plot surrounds the vampires in search of who is killing them but Rhiannon and her necromancy ability is the main story here. I was pleasantly surprised in a few twists of the plot and story line which I enjoy when a story does this to me.

I enjoyed the character building in the story for Rhiannon, Disco, and the secondary characters. I felt the growth of the relationships between the characters was genuine for them. Rhiannon learns a lot in this book about herself, her powers, and the world. She has a lot to learn yet, which will be great to read in the next book. Rhiannon, what can I say of this character? I loved her! She is just a regular person, who happens to see ghosts. Rhiannon shies away from a ghost when she sees them, not knowing what they want or why. Rhiannon does have her own ugly past she is trying to leave behind, but she doesn't wear it on her sleeve for pity, it has steeled her into a harder person - a fighter. She does have a mouth, as she speaks her mind and many times it's not in the language many think woman should use. But for me that is part of what made her wonderful to read, and even more personable to me and many times I got a chuckle out of her comments. It was mentioned to her by other characters, "Do you kiss her mother with that mouth?" We also got a look into her thoughts as they where in italics.

I enjoyed the start to this series, and looking forward to where the future takes Rhiannon, Disco, and all their friends.

Rhiannon Murphy likes to define her life as a bartender. She gets up, goes to work at the Black Panther, a strip club, and goes home. Her life may seem mundane, and that is exactly how she likes it, except for the tiny fact that she can see dead people. She is a necromancer, although she tries to ignore this fact and lead a normal life. A "regular" necromancer can't see the dead undead,(really dead vampires) but Rhiannon can see dead vampires, and a "living" vampire, Disco notices this fact, and needs her help. Vampires have been disappearing, and no one knows why. Disco starts to stalk Rhiannon at work, and she wants nothing to do with him. She is a smart girl and knows vampires are not the sort you want to mingle with. But Disco is persistent, and let's face it- mighty sexy.

Disco seeks help in a woman who is very sharp-tongued, blunt, and just a little stubborn. She is buff and can take down someone bigger than her, but the thought of socializing in a crowd of strangers sends her into panic mode. Rhiannon despises seeing dead people, and she questions why she should help "see your undead asses the second time around? Isn't the first time enough?" Disco tells her she basically has no choice, and she knows better than to argue with a vampire. She figures she will give him what he wants, then she can return to her life. As if dealing with vampires is ever that simple.

After reluctantly agreeing, she learns there are others like her, as in Ethan McDaniel, or Goose as she calls him. With his help, they start investigating the vampire disappearances, and the dark black market of selling vampire blood. Rhiannon gets thrown into vampire politics, and she must decide if she wants to give up her lonely life and have a new family, one that might even include a sexy vampire.

It is the best feeling to pick up a book from a new (to me) author and have no idea what you are about to read, and then not be able to put it down until you read the last page. Rhiannon is a heroine that made me laugh throughout, at some points I wanted to strangle, but overall was totally impressed with her growth and journey in the book. She lived a tough life in foster care, and really trusts no one. Then two men come into her life - Disco, a mysterious vampire, and even though her brain tells her vampires are evil, her instincts tell her he is one of the good guys. At first he demands her necromancy services, but their relationship becomes so much more as time goes by. Rhiannon doesn't want to love, or like, or trust, but she grows and learns that some are worth taking a chance for. He confuses her, and says and does things that makes her tongue-tied - quite a feat.

The other man in her life (who is just a friend) is Goose, a fellow necromancer and always the gentleman. It is interesting to read about their dynamic - Rhiannon is much more powerful in her necromancer skills, but Goose has much more knowledge of the craft. They need each other to bounce off of, to make any progress in the mystery. Goose is deeply involved with Disco and his vampire family and I think seeing that relationship helps Rhiannon come to terms with them.

There is a point towards the end where Rhiannon rushes to investigate with no back-up, and I knew at that point trouble was brewing for her. I cringe when heroines (or heroes) who live in these very violent worlds, take matters into their own hands, when they know violence is right around the corner. Why not wait for help or consult with others. While she does get in trouble, I liked how events unfold.

I also have to mention Paine, Disco's second in command - a tortured soul who when touches someone can see their past and future and sees their death. He carries around a very heavy burden, and JA Saare gives you just enough of him where you must know more.

The ending will make you shake your fist at JA Saare - I love to be tortured waiting for the next book, and oh does she torture us! Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between is a great urban fantasy, with strong sexual tension and even a smoking hot love scene. I laughed, and was truly captivated throughout the book. This is definitely a book that I savored every page and I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second, The Renfield Syndrome.

Rating: 4.5/5